Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| coro | /ˈkoɾo/ | masculine |
| estribillo | /estɾiˈbiʝo/ | masculine |
| contera | /konˈteɾa/ | feminine |
| ritornelo | /ritoɾnelo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A chorus can refer to several things depending on the context. It can mean a group of singers (a choir), a repeated lyrical section of a song or a phrase describing multiple people acting in unison. The phrase en coro is used to describe multiple people performing an action simultaneously or in unison, such as gritar en coro (to shout in unison). Related to this, the verb corear means to sing the chorus or refrain of a song and the word corista can be used to refer to a person who sings in a chorus or a backing vocalist.
Which one should you use?
While coro can mean a chorus, estribillo is the more precise term for the specific repeated lyrical section of a song. Conversely, coro is frequently used to refer to the ensemble of singers (a choir) rather than just the repeated part of a song.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkoɾo/
Did you know?
- The word estribillo shares its root with estribo, which means 'stirrup' in English. It suggests that the repeated part of a song is something a listener 'leans' on or uses to stay steady.
- In Spanish architecture, the coro refers to the specific area of a cathedral where the choir sits, often located in a loft or gallery.
- While coro means 'choir' or 'chorus', the verb corear can also describe a crowd chanting a name or a slogan in unison during a protest or sports event.
Examples in context
- Ellos cantan en coro.They sing in chorus.This sentence is useful for showing how people can sing in chorus using coro.Tatoeba #1530458 by marcelostockle, translation #10104173 by Marqasa
- Nos apuntamos al coro.We joined in on the chorus.This sentence shows the use of coro when joining in on a chorus.Tatoeba #6452866 by diegohn, translation #248424 by CK
- Ellos cantaban en coroThey sang in chorus.This sentence demonstrates the past tense of singing in chorus with coro.Tatoeba #11923470 by ecorralest101, translation #308570 by CM
- En el concierto de la ópera, el coro fue excepcional.In the opera concert, the chorus was outstanding.
- Esta coral ha ganado numerosos premios internacionales.This choir has won numerous international awards.
- Después de practicar durante meses, el coro finalmente se presentó en el escenario principal.After practicing for months, the chorus finally performed on the main stage.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are practicing a new song together.
- Sofía¿Te sabes el coro de la nueva canción?Do you know the chorus of the new song?
- AlejandroNo, me falta practicar ese coro.No, I still need to practice that chorus.
- SofíaEs un coro muy sencillo, Alejandro.It is a very simple chorus, Alejandro.
- AlejandroVale, vamos a intentarlo una vez más.Okay, let's try it one more time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chorus” translations and entries coro, estribillo, contera, ritornelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coro, estribillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
